LETTERS

Best road to success...screw up

Posted 8/5/15

To the Editor:

Vladislov “Sam” Samsonov neglected to collect the toll for a big rig truck. Noticing his failure, Sam, who had worked for over 20 years at the same bridge toll site, reached …

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LETTERS

Best road to success...screw up

Posted

To the Editor:

Vladislov “Sam” Samsonov neglected to collect the toll for a big rig truck. Noticing his failure, Sam, who had worked for over 20 years at the same bridge toll site, reached into his own pocket and inserted the necessary cash into his till to make sure accounts balanced. But his action was caught on tape by bosses who had previously warned him not to pay for missed tolls. For this heinous crime, the collector, despite his years on the job, was fired. 

At almost the same time, a Providence policeman received (found, confiscated, was given – the “how” is disputed) then lost an unregistered, illegal gun. He claimed he had neglected to turn it in to proper authorities. He then left it on top of his car in a parking lot where it was found along with papers that led to him. For this malfeasance and neglect, the officer suffered the incredible punishment of suspension – with pay. Naturally, officials refused to name the officer publicly. 

Around this time, the head doctor at the medical examiner’s office was removed from duty for unspecified reasons and subjected to “administrative leave” – with full pay of several hundred thousand a year. Other personnel were obligated to perform her duties.

Previously, a local fire chief had been found playing golf, drinking and smoking marijuana while on duty and had done so over a significant period. After being exposed on camera, he received the indignation of several months of paid suspension before finally being removed from office.

 Then it was divulged that RIPTA hired, as a supervisor, a former trash collector who acknowledged improperly obtaining money for mileage he never drove. He’s connected to a high-ranking politician.

So it appears that all the wise ideas offered to me about working hard and doing the right thing were just a manager’s wish list. It seems that the best plan for success is to screw up royally, but make sure you’re working for the state, and having some political pals or clout wouldn’t hurt either.

Barry Nordin

Warwick

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